West Texas A&M University

WTAMU Names Pjesky to Associate Dean of Graduate School and Research Position

CANYON, Texas—Dr. Rex Pjesky has been named the new associate dean of Graduate School and Research at West Texas A&M University.

Pjesky, associate professor of economics, began his new duties today (Jan. 14). The associate dean of the Graduate School and Research is a position designed to help in the development of the Graduate School’s strategic plans and policies. As associate dean, Pjesky will help oversee, coordinate and facilitate graduate programming and interpret policy for both academic departments and students. He also will help mediate student appeals and advise students on academic matters. The position also requires the associate dean to provide leadership to graduate interdisciplinary degree programs, comprehensive exams, program reviews, thesis and dissertation processes while working with the academic community to develop graduate student recruiting strategies and support services.

“I am elated that Dr. Pjesky is joining our Graduate School team,” Dr. Angela Spaulding, dean of the Graduate School and Research, said. “His expertise in accreditation, assessment and economics will provide strong support and direction for the WTAMU graduate enterprise. His teaching, research and administrative experience and outstanding reputation also will provide an excellent foundation from which to further serve our graduate students, faculty and University.”

Pjesky joined the WTAMU faculty in 2007 after serving as an assistant professor of economics at Northeastern State University from 2002-2007. He is an active member of the WTAMU community, serving on various committees including Faculty Senate, Killgore Research Committee, CORE Curriculum Committee and the College of Fine Arts and Humanities Tenure and Promotion Committee, to name a few. He also has served as a New Student Orientation adviser. In 2012 he was recognized with a Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award.

Pjesky earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1994 from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and a Ph.D. in economics in 2002 from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He has numerous refereed articles, book chapters and presentations to his credit. He also is the recipient of numerous research grants including a Gates Foundation sub grant through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a $6,500 Koch Associate Program grant through the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation and a $2,700 Killgore Research grant for “Friday Night Lights, Monday Morning Growth.”